Severe storms could bring golf-ball-sized hail to parts of Texas

The Texas Panhandle faces a marginal severe-weather risk Tuesday afternoon and evening, with forecasters warning that some storms could produce hail up to golf-ball size, damaging wind gusts and lightning.

The National Weather Service hazardous weather outlook covers parts of the region through 11:58 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, and local coverage says the main concern is centered on the northeastern Panhandle. Areas mentioned in the outlook and related reporting include Amarillo, Claude, Wheeler, Beaver, Canadian, Clarendon, Pampa, Potter County, Sherman County and Palo Duro Canyon.

What forecasters expect

The strongest storms could bring hail up to 1.75 inches in diameter and wind gusts near 70 mph. Forecasters also cited a slight tornado risk.

Storms are expected to begin forming around 4 p.m. in northeastern counties such as Beaver and Canadian, then continue into the evening and overnight. The threat window overlaps with the evening commute and outdoor activity hours.

Why it matters

Large hail can damage vehicles, roofs and crops. Strong wind gusts can bring down trees and power lines, and even a low tornado risk means residents should keep alerts on and have shelter plans ready.

The region is also expected to stay hot during the day before temperatures fall after sunset. Coverage cited the possibility of extreme heat on June 17, with some areas such as Palo Duro Canyon potentially reaching 100 to 110 degrees.

What to watch next

The main open question is whether the National Weather Service issues severe thunderstorm warnings or tornado warnings later Tuesday, and whether the strongest cells track through the Amarillo-area cities named in the outlook or stay farther northeast.

For now, the forecast remains a short-fuse weather alert: the severe risk is only marginal, but any storm that forms could intensify quickly.